- Properly constructed absorption pits help to increase the water level of wells and borewells by reusing domestic waste water.
- Under MNREGA and Swachh Bharat Mission, government financial grants and assistance are provided to rural families for construction of sinkholes.
- Due to the absorption pit, the dirty water accumulated in the village can be drained and the outbreak of mosquitoes, bad smell and various diseases can be completely prevented.
Absorption pits are a very simple, cheap and effective solution for waste water management in rural areas and for raising groundwater levels. It is used to percolate domestic water into the ground without discharging it into the streets or open spaces.
How does an adsorbent work??
Household washing-up or bathroom water is discharged through a pipe into a sink. This water slowly moves down through the stones, gravel and sand arranged in a certain order in the pit. This process acts as a natural filter for the water. Rocks and sand absorb impurities from the water table and the purified water seeps into the deeper layers of the soil. This helps to increase the water level of wells and borewells in the area.
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The process of making an adsorbent
1.Site Selection and Excavation: A site should be chosen at a distance of 5 to 6 feet from the wall of the house and 15 to 20 feet from the source of drinking water. Dig a pit approximately 1 meter wide, 1 meter long and 1.5 to 2 meters deep.
2.Filling level: At the very bottom of the pit should be filled with large stones or pieces of bricks. Medium sized gravel should be placed in the middle and fine gravel or coarse sand should be spread on the top layer.
3.Filtering and addition: A silt chamber (filter box) should be installed in the house water pipe before it discharges into the pit, which traps waste and soap residue.
4.Pit Closure: Put sackcloth or plastic sheet on the top layer and cover the pit completely with soil or cement cover.
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Government Schemes Related to Sinkholes The government provides assistance through various schemes to promote waste water management in rural areas. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), the cost of labor and materials for construction of individual sinkholes is provided. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the families are given grants and technical assistance for constructing a pothole to achieve 'ODF Plus' status for the village. Also, financial assistance is provided under ROHYO through Jaltara Yojana for irrigation of the farm or locality.
To avail these schemes, one has to apply to Gram Sevak or Gram Rojgar Sevak in Gram Panchayat. It requires Aadhaar Card, Bank Passbook and MGNREGA Job Card.